Moroccan Eggplant Salad (Zaaluk)

     As promised, I am presenting today another eggplant recipe. It is a traditional Moroccan salad actually, and it is called Zaaluk. Well, there are many Zaaluk recipes. However, the one I am showing you today is the easiest, it does not require any roasting or frying, you only need to put all ingredients in a pressure cooker or a regular saucepan to cook and that's it. It may be served warm or cold. Moreover, It may be preserved in the refrigerator up to 3 days. I hope you like my recipe! 

Ingredients

- 4 Eggplants (medium-sized) cut into cubes
- 1 Tomato, cut into cubes
- 1 Green pepper (small), chopped
- 1 Red pepper (small), chopped        *You may use only 1 big green or red pepper.
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Parsley, minced
- 3 to 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato sauce (optional)
- 1 Hot pepper (optional)
- 1 quarter Preserved lemon
- Salt, cumin, and paprika (1 tbsp)
- Water, about 1/2 cup

Process

1- In a pressure cooker, or a sauce pan, and in medium heat, add tomatoes, pepper, garlic, oil, salt, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tomato is tender, stir occasionally.

2- Add parsley, tomato sauce, and hot pepper, mix until combined and then add eggplants. Toss to coat.

3- If you are using a pressure cooker, add about 1/2 cup of water or until veggies are 2/3 covered, and cook for 10 min. If you are using a regular sauce pan add 1 and 1/2 cups of water or until they are submerged by 1/3. Cook for about 20-30 min. 

4- Using a wooden paddle, mash your eggplants until soft. You may remove the hot pepper before that. 

5- Add cumin and simmer while stirring for 3-5 min or until water is completely evaporated. 

That's it!

Deep Fried Eggplant

     Did you know that eggplant is a fruit, not a vegetable? Yes, and it belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). However, this fruit cannot be eaten raw. Its favor is only revealed after it’s cooked. You can do wonders with eggplant, right? Well, I use it a lot, and I think I will be posting a variety of eggplant recipes. Today, I want to show you how to fry this great fruit in a special way. You will love this recipe. The result is a golden, crispy, and delicious appetizer or side dish. 

Ingredients

-  2 big eggplants, sliced

-  1 egg, beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper

-  2 Tbsp All purpose flour (add more if needed)

-  3 Tbsp of bread crumbs (I used scented crumbs)

-  Vegetable oil, for frying

Process

1- Preheat your pan then add enough oil to fry your eggplants.

2- Dip the eggplant slices in the flour, then in eggs, then in the crumbs, thoroughly coat both sides in each step.

3- Deep fry your eggplant slices on each side until golden brown, then place them in a paper towel to drain. 

That's it!